asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the authorities in London have been in occupation of private premises for many weeks past for the purposes of Auxiliary Fire Service and other services concerned with Civil Defence, and that up to date great hardship has been inflicted on the owners because no payment of any kind has been made; and can he rectify this state of affairs?

Claim forms have been issued to local authorities for distribution to persons whose premises have been taken under compulsory powers. Every effort is being made to expedite matters, and interim payments on account have been authorised where settlement of the claim is likely to take time.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that a large number of individuals are dependent entirely upon the income from their premises, and that they are having an extremely difficult time in consequence of this state of affairs?

I realise the urgency of the matter.